NEWS RELEASE

GROWING ARRAY OF "AQUARIUM ADVENTURES" TAKE VISITORS

DEEPER INTO THE WONDERS OF MONTEREY BAY

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Behind-the-scenes tours, sailing, SCUBA offer new ways to experience
ocean life




A trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium just got more enticing. Visitors can
now go behind-the-scenes with aquarium experts, take part in a sailing
excursion aboard a 65-foot research vessel, put their kids in SCUBA gear
for a diver's-eye view of marine life, feed an abalone or an urchin,
scoop plankton from the bay using the same tools as scientists, and
discover where "Doc" Ricketts set up his laboratory on Cannery Row.

All this and more is part of the many exciting "Aquarium Adventures"
programs available throughout 2008. A full schedule of all "Aquarium
Adventures" is available online at www.montereybayaquarium.org
<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/> . Online tickets for select
Adventures will be available in early May.

New behind-the-scenes tours, offered several times a day beginning April
15, give visitors an inside look at the nation's No. 1 aquarium. Another
new program invites children ages 3 to 7 to get "ArtSea" as it combines
science and art in projects led by local Abrakadoodle artists.

For the new tours, an expert guide will take small groups
behind-the-scenes several times daily. Each 50-minute tour will be
different, depending on what's happening that day, but all tours will
show visitors what it takes to care for animals and exhibits at the
Monterey Bay Aquarium. Headsets will provide additional information
during the dynamic tour. Tour times vary daily and cost $10 per person,
plus aquarium admission.

In "ArtSea," the aquarium's youngest visitors can mix art and science as
they create unique handicrafts inspired by artists such as Laura Bryant,
Romero Britto or Alexander Calder. "ArtSea" runs from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
twice a month on Saturdays, beginning March 8. The hour begins in front
of the Kelp Forest exhibit, where children will learn about the
magnificent kelp forest ecosystem, along with basic science principles
to help them analyze the shape, size and color of fishes. Afterwards
they'll work alongside local artists to translate what they learned into
works of art. They'll also get a chance to help an aquarist feed trout
at the Coastal Stream exhibit.

While most "Aquarium Adventures" are offered from Memorial Day weekend
through Labor

Day, "Sailing Adventures" expeditions returns early again this year, on
May 11 for some spring sailing aboard the eco-friendly Derek M. Baylis,
a 65-foot research sailboat. Visitors can choose among three distinct
"Sailing Adventures."

During "Day Sails" visitors will work alongside aquarium naturalists
gathering plankton, observing seafloor animals and learning about the
intricate Monterey Bay ecosystem. Each participant will take a turn at
the helm, steering the boat and learning about navigation and sailing,
while fellow

sailors keep an eye out for migrating whales, rafts of otters and pods
of dolphins. A great way to celebrate Mother's Day on May 11 is a "Day
Sail" adventure where moms ride free with one paying participant.

"Sunset Sails" participants will relax on the elegant ship while
sipping wine, enjoying hors d'oeuvres and watching the bay come to life
as evening approaches. Seals, sea lions, otters, dolphins and whales are
common inhabitants in Monterey Bay. "Sunset Sails" begin on May 11; they
cost $45 for aquarium members and $55 for the general public.

For a custom adventure, visitors can charter the Derek M. Baylis and its
captain for a three-hour sailing adventure with up to 23 of their
closest friends. "Charter Sails" (by appointment only) run $1,180.

The popular "Underwater Explorers" surface SCUBA experience for kids age
8 to 13 resumes in June. "Morning Rounds" behind-the-scenes feeding
tours, "Fishing for History" Cannery Row walking tours and family
sleepovers in the aquarium galleries happen on select days through
September.

"Aquarium Adventures" activities offer great ways for adults as well as
children and families to gain a deeper appreciation for marine life at
the aquarium and beyond.

And, again this summer, there will be more time to enjoy the aquarium
and all of its adventures on summer weekends during "Evenings by the
Bay" extended hours. Each Saturday and Sunday from July 5 through August
31, visitors will have two additional hours - until 8 p.m. - to commune
with their favorite exhibits, including the newly transformed "Splash
Zone" galleries. The evenings also include live music and an opportunity
for dinner in the ocean-view Portola Restaurant.

Most "Aquarium Adventures" programs run between May and September; a
few, like behind-the-scenes tours, are offered year-round. Costs vary
per program, plus aquarium admission; aquarium members receive a
discount. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org/adventures for program
details and previews. A detailed list of "Aquarium Adventures" is
included below. Advance registration is recommended; register by calling
866-963-9645 or stop by the Aquarium Adventures and Member Desk in the
main lobby of the aquarium.

Regular aquarium admission is $24.95 adult; $22.95 senior (65+) and
student (full-time college, with I.D.); and $15.95 children 3-12 and the
disabled. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge.

Discounted tickets for members of the military and their families can be
purchased in advance at many California and Nevada installations. The
aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer months and
holidays, with extended hours on Saturday and Sunday beginning July 5
through August 31.

The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of
the oceans.

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AQUARIUM ADVENTURES PROGRAMS

2008



NEW: Behind-the-scenes Tours

Several times daily, beginning April 15

Time: Varies (five 50-minute tours each day)

Ages: 6 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult

Fee: $10 per person, plus aquarium admission



Visitors can get an intimate look at the inner workings of the aquarium
during any of the five daily behind-the-scenes tours. A guide will lead
a group of 10 to 12 visitors to a range of different stations, depending
on the day and time. The mix of activities might include chats with
aquarists, dive safety officers or other staff who care for aquarium
exhibits and animals.



NEW: ArtSea

Two times per month, visit www.montereybayaquarium.org/adventures for
specific dates

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Ages: 3 to 7 years

Fee: $16 per member; $20 per general public, plus aquarium admission.



Kids learn how fishes' size, shape and color help them thrive in their
ocean homes by combining science and art. Local Abrakadoodle artists
help the aquarium's youngest visitors create masterpieces by encouraging
their sense of creativity and inquisitive nature.



Underwater Explorers

Four times daily from June 14 through September 1

Time: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. (90-minute program)

Ages: 8 to 13

Fee: $59 per member; $79 per general public, plus aquarium admission



Kids can get a fish-eye view of marine life as they don mask, regulator
and dry suit and take the plunge in our Great Tide Pool for a surface
SCUBA experience. Our certified dive staff will assist participants in
the water and introduce them to the critters that live along the rocky
shore. The small group size ensures a safe and educational adventure for
everyone. No previous SCUBA experience is required, though you must have
basic swimming skills.



Sailing Adventures: Day Sails

Saturdays and Sundays: May 11 through June 15; Wednesday through Sunday:
June 18 through August 31; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: September 5
through September 28

Time: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. (3-hour sail)

Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Fee: $49 per member youth (10-17 years); $59 per member adult; $59 per
general public youth; $69 per general public adult.



Step aboard the Derek M. Baylis, a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly
65-foot research sailboat for the adventure of a lifetime. In this
exclusive program you'll spend three hours getting hands-on experience
as you learn how marine biologists study the life of the Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary.



Sailing Adventures: Sunset Sails

Fridays and Saturdays: May 11 through June 1; Wednesdays through
Saturdays: June 18 through August 30; Fridays and Saturdays: September 5
through September 27

Time: 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. (90-minute sail)

Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Fee: $45 per aquarium member; $55 per general public



Join aquarium naturalists for a great evening of natural history and
ocean wildlife aboard the Derek M. Baylis. Enjoy wine and light
refreshments as you learn more about the many animals that make Monterey
Bay their home. Join us for a great time as you discover how we can keep
our oceans healthy.



Youth Group Seashore Sleepovers

Friday, March 7; Saturday, March 22; Saturday, July 5; Saturday, October
11

Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Ages: Youth groups with children, age 6 to 14; one adult chaperone, 21
years or older, is required for every five youth campers.

Fee: $50 per member and per member guest.



Youth group sleepovers are a special way to enjoy the aquarium after
hours and sleep next to your favorite exhibit. We'll offer activities
throughout the evening, or you can explore the aquarium on your own. The
evening concludes with a bedtime snack. In the morning, you'll wake up
with the fishes and enjoy a continental breakfast in the Portola Cafe.



Morning Rounds: Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Most Thursdays and Sundays, all year round

Time: 8:15 to 10:30 a.m.

Ages: 8 and older, under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult

Fee: $45 per member; $65 per general public, plus aquarium admission



Join us for a rare opportunity to interact with our exhibit animals as
an aquarist would. The morning includes a private viewing of a sea otter
feeding and training session. Then you'll go behind-the-scenes on
"morning rounds" and help prepare food, feed animals and learn daily
maintenance for exhibits.



Fishing for History: A Cannery Row Walking Tour

All year round: By appointment only, minimum group of 6

Time: 1 to 3 p.m.

Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult

Fee: $16 per member; $20 per general public, plus aquarium admission



Past and present meet as we journey from the days of Monterey's native
Rumsien/Ohlone people through the boom times that made Monterey the
"Sardine Capital of the World." Along the way we'll share stories of the
diverse communities and early marine scientists who contributed to the
rich culture of Cannery Row. Our guided tour starts with the historic
cannery exhibits at the aquarium then leads you on a gentle walk along
Cannery Row to the Maritime Museum at Fisherman's Wharf. The program is
co-sponsored by the Monterey Maritime and History Museum.